Apple have just sent word that the latest in the iMac line, the G5, is being launched today. The new line, based around the G5 chip, is essentially a computer packed into a 2" thick LCD screen, which apple claims to be the 'worlds thinnest desktop computer'. The iMacs feature 17" to 20" Widescreen LCD with G5s going up to 1.8 GHz.

Apple are making many comparisons between the new iMac, and their hugely successful iPod. Philip Schiller, Apple PR man, commented that "Just like the iPod redefined portable digital music players, the new iMac G5 redefines what users expect from a consumer desktop", also remarking "With the entire system, including a gorgeous 17- or 20-inch display, just two inches thin, a lot of people will be wondering 'where did the computer go?'" One hopes that they'll be not asking this in a too critical light when the machine crashes.

Apple claims the iMac will run very quietly (~25db), making it suitable for all locations in the home. Its I/O ports are neatly designed on the computer; it features 5 USB ports and 3 Firewire ports. Interestingly, Apple offers "internal support" for Airport Extreme cards, yet does not ship with them as standard - the same is true for its support on Bluetooth - you need to buy the extra card, but it integrates with the iMac G5. It also has built in Ethernet ports (10/100). The system packs a SuperDrive (DVD/CD writer combo), up to 2 gig of DDR 400mhz RAM and up to 250 gig of hard drive space (SATA). The new iMac also has an AGP 8X nVidia based (GeForce FX 5200 Ultra) graphics solution.

Prices range from Â£919 (low end, 17" / 1.6 GHz) to Â£1349 (high end, 20" / 1.8 GHz). All in all, not too bad. Apple would like a successful line of computers that they can ship, be proud of (i.e. enjoy critical acclaim) and make lots of money on. They've been plagued by supply problems on some of their other product lines, and Apple would be well advised to resolve these problems sooner, rather than later.